Globe and Conference Hoping

Summary of this update:

• I traveled to the U.S. for about three weeks to attend 3 conferences and meet with 3 Churches.
• I met up with three brothers who are raising support to join our training ministry in the Philippines.
• We have 5 potential modules coming up in June and July.
• We anticipate the first graduating class from The Expositor's Academy this May/June.
• My family and I will be attending the Grace Ministries International mission conference soon.

Travels

I recently returned to the Philippines after spending a weekend in Arizona to meet with friends from The Church at South Mountain and about two and a half weeks in California where I attended three conferences.  My time in Los Angeles started with a missions conference at Calvary Bible Church, where I had the privilege of preaching during their Sunday morning worship services.  That was followed by The The Master's Academy International's Symposium and culminated with The Shepherd’s Conference.

As good as the trip was, it was not without challenges.  The first was talking my 5 year old daughter Isabella and my 1 and a half year old son Josiah with me to the U.S.  For some reason, when I mentioned to others that they joined me for the 16 hour plane ride (each way), a few people repeated, “ALONE, you brought them out by YOURSELF?”  Yes I did, and the Lord heard the many prayers of those who interceded for us.  The kids did great flying there and back, sleeping through most of it.

Isabella and Josiah on the flight back to the Philippines

The next challenge was when Grandpa and Grandma Mereau came to visit the kids from North Carolina.  While spending a few days with the kids at lego land, Grandpa felt sick and ended up going to the hospital and having surgery to clear some blocking in his intestines.  He is still recovering and experiencing pain, but Lord willing, he should be back to normal soon.  We are grateful that the kids still were able to spend about 5 or 6 days with them and I had some special time talking with Grandpa during our drive to the valley. 

Meeting with the Team

One of the highlights for me during my stay in California was spending time with the three men who are raising support to join our team in the Philippines.  These brothers are all graduates of The Master’s Seminary and competent teachers.  I look forward to serving with them, their families and growing in our relationships with the Lord and each other in the coming years.  I’m praying that at least one of them can move here this year.  I know that times are challenging and that raising support in todays financial climate is harder than when Jess and I first went to the Philippines almost 8 years ago, but I also know that God is not limited by the economy.  I am content to wait for His perfect timing. 

Allan Luciano, Chad Dexter, Vincent Greene and Sean Ransom

Upcoming Modules

We usually provide modular training outside of Manila each January, May/June and September each year.  We are currently looking at teaching up to 5 potential modules this June and July.  The locations are:

• Boracay
• Davao
• Cagayan De Oro
• Batangas
• Mindoro

The group in Boracay has already taken four modules and are scheduled to start New Testament Survey 1.  In Davao, the pastors studied Hermeneutics (principles for interpreting the Bible) with us and are ready to move on to Preaching 1.  A few groups in Cagayan De Oro have been asking us to provide training there for some time and we are ready to begin with Hermeneutics.  Batangas and Mindoro are also possibilities as we look into starting them with Hermeneutics as well.  Our next modules after these are tentatively planned for September with the same groups and would progress to their next course in our curriculum.  

Philippines Map

Our First Graduating Class

This May we anticipate our first graduating class from The Expositor's Academy.  Our senior batch from Greenhills Christian Fellowship has been studying with us for about 4 years now and are on track to finish their course which focuses on biblical exposition and ministry in the local Church.  Pray that all the students will be able to complete their work, that they will apply what they have learned in their ministries and that it will forever change them and the churches that they minister in.

Grace Ministries International Missions Conference
Also coming up very soon, my family and I will be flying to Greece to attend the GMI Missions Conference.    We are excited to see biblical cities such as Athens, Philippi, Thessalonica, and Rome (that one will be on our own).  In addition to all that, we look forward to enjoying some great teaching from Grace Church, some sweet fellowship with other GMI missionaries and some great family time.  The trip will be a little more that two weeks and then we head back to the Philippines to get back to work in our training ministry.

Reconnecting with Grandma/pa and a few Conferences

I was feeling a mixture of fear, dread, and obligation.  I have three conferences to attend in March and thought, how can I go to California and not bring my two youngest children with me to see their grand parents?  They aren't in school and are able to travel so I decided to risk the potential torture of 16 plus hours of flying each way with a 19 month old and a 5 year old.  So far it has been great.  Both kids did great on the plan ride, I only had to change 3 diapers on the way, had no tantrums and didn't even have to bust out the DVD player, coloring books or toys.

I spent the first weekend in Arizona visiting Pastor Weymann Lee who has been partnering with us to train men in the Philippines and I also spent time with good friends from The Church at South Mountain, who also partners with us.  It was a blessing to be with all of them as we enjoyed sweet fellowship and some good expository teaching and preaching.

My good friends Zach and Staci Volker watched the kids part of the time for me while I traveled; I figured that my kids had enough flying so I left them for a few days in the care of others.  

After picking up Grandma and Grandpa Mereau who flew in from North Carolina to see the kids, (and me perhaps) I drove us all back to grandma and grandpa Gomez's place where we had a special treat; unexpected snow fell in Banning CA.  We don't really own much winter clothes anymore, but we made due.  I took Josiah out for a few minutes to see and touch the snow.  Bella was a little more adventurous.   

Bella enjoying sunny California snow

Josiah's first encounter with snow

Isabella and Grandpa Mereau

Bella's first snowman

Bella's first snow angel

This weekend the conferences start.  On Saturday I will participate in our partner Calvary Bible Church's mission conference on Saturday evening and then preach two services there on Sunday morning.  Monday and Tuesday are The Master's Academy International's Symposium and Wednesday through Friday is the Shepherd's Conference.  Many meetings will also be taking place throughout the week as well (including spending some time with me son Kian at The Master's College).  I will spend my last Sunday at our home church on March 11 (The Bridge Bible Fellowship).  The kids and I will return on Monday March 12 where Jessica and three of our other kids are waiting for us.  Classes in Manila will resume shortly after that.  I appreciate your prayers for a fruitful trip and traveling mercies.  

Modular Training and a Macedonian Call from the Southern Philippines

Boracay Grace Baptist Church

Pastor Erwin

Pastor Daisuke

This week I was joined by Pastor Erwin (whom I have been mentoring for about a year and a half) and Pastor Daisuke, (who leads the TMAI training ministry in Japan) to train a group of pastor's at Boracay Grace Baptist Church (BGBC).  Although we met on the Island of Boracay for the Old Testament Survey module, several of the some 40 pastors were from other Islands.  Many traveled for 5 hours by bus from the Island of Panay.  Four pastors even traveled for about 12 hours from the Island of Negros taking a combination of bus, boat and motorcycle.   When Pastors Erwin, Daisuke and I learned this, we felt very humbled.  Knowing that these men were willing to travel so far to grow in their ability to handle God's Word, shepherd His people and to be imparted with some of the training that was entrusted to us just increases my passion to help them.  We know that we are not worthy of such a great privilege, but we thank the Lord for the Grace to do so and try to do our best to serve them.

Sean Ransom

Some of the highlights for me were teaching the books of Job, Isaiah, Ezekiel and Malachi.  Even though I read them every year I always learn something new and I am also struck with how their voices are still relevant to our lives and ministries today.  For example, Job (which I admit I really struggled with the first few times I read it because I didn't understand it) really speaks to our trials and suffering today and how God doesn't allow His children to be shaken by them to the point of falling away.  When I think about the end times my mind defaults to Revelation and Daniel, but I was reminded that Isaiah has so much to say about the end, Christ's rule on earth (not to mention a lot about the Messiah); Ezekiel has much to say about the end as well.  Malachi offers great teaching on marriage and always generates some good discussions on tithing verses the free will offering and our relationship the Old Testaments covenants.

Another impact that this last module had on me is from request I received from some of the men from the Island of Negros.  It reminded me of the call that the Apostle Paul received in Acts 16:9 which says, "During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us."  One of the pastors shared with us how he is unable to get good training, (probably due to time, resources and availability) and how he and others in his area are constantly under attack from false doctrine and teachers.  He along with a few other pastors repeatedly asked us if we could offer the same training they were receiving at BGBC on their Islands.  My heart really goes out to these pastors and too many others who have made similar request to us.  Pray with me for more workers to help train these faithful men.  The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.   

Us with some of the men from our on going training in Boracay

My plan is to try to return to Boracay in June as well as Mindanao.  Join me in praying for the provisions (including teachers and funding) to continue training these eager and faithful men and others like them.

Christmas and Kian's Homecoming for the New Year

We spent the evening of Christmas Eve at a party thrown by some of our friends (Edwin and Charlyne) who used to live under Manalo Bridge.  This faithful couple now hosts bible studies in their home and reach out to the children and families living in their building.  They offered us the opportunity to provide Christmas presents for the kids as they hosted the party.  It was a joy to give gifts to these kids who have been faithfully attending the studies.   We had Grace, Tyler and Isabella handing out the gifts to give them an opportunity to be a blessing to others and to remind them of how much God has blessed them.  

 

Below is a portion of the kids who attended and helped with the party.  We gave out 31 gifts, while Edwin, Charlyne and their kids hosted and served the party for their neighbors in their community.  I gave them the curriculum FOF (Fundamentals of the Faith), which was produced by John MacArthur and Grace Community Church and has since been translated into Tagalog.  Lord willing, they will use it for their bible studies this year.

Last Friday night we took our kids with us to the airport to pick up Kian, who had left home for college last July.   This was made possible by some dear ladies from our home Church, The Bridge Bible Fellowship.  The Lord put it on their hearts to send Kian home for the Christmas and New Year holidays.  As much as we wanted him to come home, we couldn't afford it.  Jessica teared up when she read the email explaining how the Women's Morning Support Circle wanted to send him home.   I'm not sure what excited the kids more, seeing their big brother again or the Christmas presents that they were anticipating getting from him.  Although Isabella was so excited to be with Kian that she had him promise that he would spend time with her every day, it didn't take her long to ask about those presents. 

Even though Kian's flight didn't get in till after 10pm, Josiah stayed up till after 11pm to see his big brother (he usually goes to bed between 7:30 and 8pm).   Kian was happy to see that Josiah still seems to remember him and was quickly playing with him.   We are all happy to have him with us again for a few weeks and will try to spend a few days at the beach together before he returns to the U.S. and schools starts up again for the rest of the kids.  

Grace was also pleased to see Kian who gave her a computer game that seems to be her favorite Christmas gift this year (and Christian's).  We all got to enjoy watching fireworks together at Faith Academy and Kian is been catching up with good friends of his who are still living here or visiting their families.  They even managed to set off a few fireworks themselves.

 

He really enjoyed his first semester at The Master's College and his mom and I are pleased to see growth in him both his maturity as a young man and in his spiritual life.  He is making good choices as he processes the world more and more through biblical lenses.  Currently, he is pursing business and is enjoying music on the side.  He is on the worship team at our home church as well as playing with other musicians.

We were also blessed by Calvary Bible Church who sent presents for the whole family.  That was a blessing as our limited budget makes it a bit challenging to buy Christmas presents for six kids.  It is a good things that our kids have learned to be content with a modest amount to gifts.  Even knowing the reason for the season, it can be disappointing for kids (especially American kids like ours) not to get anything or much for Christmas.   Before we opened any gifts on Christmas morning we sat around our table with our kids and discussed the real reason we celebrate Christmas.  We talked about the many symbols of Christmas, like the Christmas tree, lights, bells, presents, wreaths, candy canes, etc. and the realities that these symbols point to Jesus Christ.

All in all, we are having a great Christmas season and a New Year.  Thanks so much to all of you who support us in prayer and financially.  We couldn't be serving our Lord in the Philippines without you.  We continue to pray for all of you.  God bless and happy new year.

Meet some of our students

Mentoring Pastor Erwin

For over a year I have been mentoring Pastor Erwin Quimboy.  He is a sharp Filipino pastor and I have been enjoying his friendship and fellowship.  Along with about 6 other men, we have been meeting weekly at my house to work through the interpretation, outlining and preaching of 1 Timothy.  We also discuss what a Biblical Philosophy of ministry looks like and how that impacts the way we teach, preach, lead, serve, disciple and evangelize God’s people.  Our time together has had a beautiful impact on Pastor Erwin and his church.  Not only has he committed himself to expository preaching, but he also committed himself to a biblical philosophy of ministry.  It is a joy to see the fruit in his ministry.

Pastor Erwin, his wife Rita and 

                                                                            daughter Yana.

             The first impact I saw was on his elders.  During our mentoring time in 1 Timothy, the Lord moved Pastor Erwin to discuss the qualifications of an elder with the elders of his Church.  They all went away for a weekend retreat together and after studying the text together, all of the men learned what the qualifications and job requirements of an elder are.  Together they came to the conclusions that they are not qualified to be elders, but they love the Lord and still want to serve him.  Instead of being angry at Pastor Erwin (I’ve seen this happen in this kind of situation before) they all stepped down as elders and changed their role to “ministry team” as they grow the necessary character and skills to be elders. 

God didn’t stop there.  Next, He began to work in the hearts of the worship team.  As they realized that their lives were not right to lead the Church in worshiping God in song, they too stepped down.  Now the church sings acapella until there are leaders raised up who can lead worship of God in spirit and in truth.  Pastor Erwin is now discipling both of those groups and we pray that someday they will be able to serve the Church again sometime soon, but with a whole new heart and understanding.  What a testimony this must be to the whole church, pray that more fruit is borne through this.  Also pray for pastor Erwin who faithfully pastors this Church with very little pay.  The Church is located in an area called "Quatro" because it is near the fourth hole of a golf course.  Hundreds of families are squatting their as they hope to find work, schooling and a better life for their families.   

Ministering in Prison with Pastor Jim

Recently, I joined Pastor Jim, who has been studying with us for about two years now.  He volunteers to minister to government officials, workers, Philippine Police Officers, and prisoners.  We went to the National police headquarters in Manila to teach a group of eight Nigerian men who have been detained for the last four months and are awaiting trial.  I never asked them why they were arrested, but I told them to see this imprisonment as a gift from God as He uses it to either give them the gift of eternal life or sets them on a path to serve him with the rest of their lives.  I taught them one of my favorite Psalms, Psalm 101:1-8.  Since they had nothing to write with I told them to remember three things from this passage if they wanted to live a life that pleased God.  I told them to Practice Praising God in all circumstances v. 1, Practice Righteous Living vv. 2-6, and to Practice Remove Sin from their lives vv. 7-8.  The Church at South Mountain in Phoenix Arizona kindly donated a box a Bibles which, made it possible for us to give each of these men their own Bible.

Pastor faithfully ministers to men and women like this several times a week all over Manila.  He does this as a volunteer as his church cannot afford to pay him a salary.  Pray for his strength, wisdom and provisions and he continues to serve the Lord in this way (and many others).

Thanks for all your prayers and support, which make it possible for me to pour my life into many great men like these who faithful serve Jesus and are hungry to learn how to do it better.

Encouraging Moments

I often have conversations or receive messages that encourage and remind me why I’m here.  I’m thankful that the Lord causes this to happen because it keeps me focused and motivated.  One man who studied under our training ministry, the Expositor’s Academy for a short time, recently wrote me and asked for counsel regarding continuing his training for ministry.  He wrote:

            Hi Sean,

 …I would like to ask for your advice concerning studying for ministry.  I believe I am being called to pastoral or some form of lay ministry.  I would like to get some Biblical education behind me and am wondering on how best to do this.

Ideally I would like to go TMS (The Master's Seminary in the U.S.) but it just seems like a financial and logistical impossibility (I'm married, have two kids, will be 34 this Sept., and am pretty much broke).  I've been looking for schools here but most seminaries look like places where I'll have to fight for my faith rather than grow in it…Anyway, all this to say that I'd like to pursue ministry but don't have seminary credentials and think it'd be hard to get some, given my present circumstances…What do you think would be a good path to take?

…Right now I'm...educating myself by reading as much as I can by my favorite teachers and listening to hundreds of sermons (which is basically what I've been doing for the last 15 years).  I imagine the best thing would be to study at the Expositor’s Academy.  Can you kindly pray with me and lend me your thoughts on this matter on how to proceed?

It is men like this and the current state of many schools and churches in the Philippines that make it necessary for training ministries like ours to equip pastors and train up expositors here. 

In August I had the privilege of speaking at The Solo Christo Singles Conference at Higher Rock Church in Quezon City.  I was blessed to share from the Word on pursuing a life partner.  Those who attended received the Word with eagerness and I was encouraged afterwards by several texts and facebook comments.  Here is one of them…

Pastor Sean. How are you? Just to encourage you. Your talk about unequally yoked relationships in our Single's Conference has borne fruit. One of the guys in our bible study after hearing your talk decided to break up with his nonbeliever girl friend the following day. He has already heard many times of the folly of this relationship but he was hoping for a "missionary" relationship. He already had this girl friend when he became a Christian and he was pining that she also becomes a believer but it didn't happen that way.

Praise God....take care...

On another note, we have been getting some encouraging notes from our son Kian.  Although we miss him, we are very excitement about his studies and enjoyment of The Master’s College.  He wrote…

           I’m really loving it here and I love the reading.  The books we are required to read are sooooo good.  Sprinted through Genesis, literally 25 chapters due every other class period, but it was really cool reading it that fast, and seeing the progression and the history in a plot form, rather than out of order stories.

He also said that the week of welcome or “WOW week” made a big impression on him.  He said that after all the fun events each day a speaker would share a different distinctive of TMC.  He was very impressed with their commitment to The Word, Discipleship, Worship…and the challenge to live these distinctives out.

How you can pray for us: 

• Pray for the Greene and Luciano families as they raise support to join our team in the Philippines.
• Pray that God would continue to give us wisdom and favor as we seek to follow His leading of our ministry.
• Pray for Kian as he studies at the Master’s College and that the Lord would continue to grow his faith and biblical worldview.
• Pray that the Lord would continue to guide Jessica and I as we shepherd the hearts of our children.
• Pray that God would raise more supporters for us to keep us on the mission field doing His work.

 

Separation

Why do we hate separation? Children hate being separated from their parents, like our one year old son who panics sometimes when Jessica or l leave the room. We all hate being separated from those we love, like when a young man goes to serve in the military or a young woman moves out of the house to live with her new husband. We also hate being separated from the things and the places that mean a lot to us, like a family home or the country we love.

I was reflecting on this a few nights ago after we took our oldest son, Kian, to the airport. He left the Philippines to go to The Master’s College in the U.S. We are very proud of Kian and excited for this new chapter in his life, but it is a bitter sweet time because we won’t get to watch him mature each day as we had for the last eighteen years, and now we will not be able to see him make his mark on the world. Although we are family, our family is forever changed. It

will never be quite the same. I suspect that in some ways, things will be even better as Kian grows into the man God made him to be; perhaps even having his own family someday.

However, when we sit around a table with our other five children at a restaurant, one

less seat will be occupied. When we pile into the van, there will be one less face in my rear view mirror. And as the voices compete with each other to share with me how their day went, there will be one less waiting to get a word in. I know we have the internet and various ways to communicate today, but it won’t be quite the same and I must say that I don’t enjoy the separation. I suppose I better understand how my mom felt when we left our home seven years ago to serve as missionaries.

These feelings of dislike of separation got me thinking about how horrible it will be for those who see the glory of God at judgement only to be separated from Him for eternity because of their refusal to acknowledge God for who He is. They will forever have burned in their eyes the

sight of the most beautiful and awesome being whom they will never be able to

see or approach again. How sad to see the beauty of God and then to go through eternity knowing that your own choices permanently separated you from Him. This makes the sorrow of being separated from my son by his leaving for college seem insignificant. It also reminds me of the urgency to warn others of the consequences of their choices.

Kicking and Fighting

Two held her down while two others attacked her. She begged to be let go and cried "Get me out of here!" as blood began to run down her head. However, we couldn't give into her request. As much as it hurt, it was for her best, so Jessica and I helped hold her down as the doctor and her assistant pulled her skin together with three stitches.

Jessica and I were actually glad that we missed the call and text from our oldest son while we were on our way home from teaching a Preaching class. Though only 30 minutes away, it would have been a torturous ride if we had read what Kian wrote. Only after walking in our room and finding our four year old Isabella happily playing and with a bandage on her head did we find the text and missed call. The text read, "Don't want to worry you, but Bella fell from the top bunk and split her head open. Lots of blood, 3quarter of an inch gash, but minimal pain, and no panic what so ever. She's got a bandage but will likely need to go in for stitches in the morning."

It had already been a long day and Kian had assured us that he googled 'stitches' on the internet and learned that we had eight to twenty four hours to take her to the hospital, so there was no need to go to the hospital until the morning (it was already almost 9pm). Even though we were tired and Kian is a pretty responsible eighteen year old young man (headed for college next week), I decided to investigate myself. He was right about what the web said, but I wanted to check out her cut myself. It took about one second for me to say "Get your shoes on, were going to the hospital". Just below her hairline above her right eye, the gash was about an inch long and a quarter of an inch wide at it's center. It was fairly deep, needed to be closed and I wasn't taking any chances with my baby girl. If you are not squeamish, can handle the sight of blood and are curious then you can click here to see Bella's cut, otherwise just read on.

While we struggled to hold her down on a table in the hospital emergency room, I couldn't help being reminded of how we do the same thing when God tries to help us. Our fear and lack of understanding causes us to kick, scream and fight against Him when He is only seeking our best and only trying to help us. We often fight Him like a scared and confused little child. Even with medication to numb the wound, my ipad playing the movie "Toy Story" next to her and promises of balloons and candy, she still struggled and cried.

Three stitches later her terrifying ordeal was over.

It wasn't long till she was her sweet and happy self, exclaiming that o so familiar phrase, "Can I have a snack now?" Like a master manipulator, she milked the moment as best she could (who wouldn't, I suppose?). First, she worked the doctor for three surgical gloves: two to take home and one to have blown up like a balloon. Then, after settling with the hospital, we proceeded to the pharmacist for medicine and snacks. Once again, all was well as Bella drank her favorite chocolate milk and ate a candy bar. We didn't take anymore pictures that night, but here is one of her usually smiling face.

Island Hopping

It's been a busy month and it's not over yet. Last week we held our first family module where we not only taught pastors, but a few ladies joined us to teach the wives of those pastors. These ladies included my wife, Jessica, and two Action Missionaries, Ruth Ortiz and Pami Ellis. First, four fellow graduates from the Master's Seminary (Felix Ballon, Vincent Greene, Chad Dexter and Mike Berry) joined us in the Philippines to teach with our training ministry, The Expositor's Academy. They started with a one day seminar on The End Times at a local church in the city of Cainta. Then together, we all travelled to Boracay to teach at the family module the week of May 16th-21st. We taught a survey of The Old Testament to the men, while the ladies with us taught on various issues on marriage and family to the wives. We had a few joint sessions in the evening for family messages as well.

On Sunday, some of us preached at Grace Baptist Church of Boracay and a couple of it's outreach churches. In the evenings we taught on more OT survey and preached on family issues. I taught a two hour survey on the book of Judges and preached a message from Genesis 2 on "God's Intention for Marriage." The students and church members were very appreciative as they fellowshipped with us and interacted during the Sunday morning and evening worship services as well as during the module from Monday-Friday.

Chad Dexter, who is finishing up his second graduate degree at The Master's Seminary, is exploring where God wants to use him and his wife Kara after he graduates and is considering joining The Expositor's Academy in the Philippines.

Chad did a great job preaching twice, once from the books of Romans and the other time from the book to The

Ephesians and teaching several session for the OT Survey including Judges, 2 Samuel and 2 Kings.

Vincent Greene is joining us for the third time and is already in the process of raising support so that he and his family can move to the Philippines where he will join the TEA staff to help us focus on and train men to be expositors of God's Word.

Vincent taught on Ezra, Nehemiah, Ruth, Esther, 1 Samuel and 1 Kings as well as preaching. He also joined us in Mindanao in the city of Davao where he preached twice and helped teach a module on how to interpret the Bible.

Pastor Felix Ballon came out a week earlier to teach a one week module module for us on biblical interpretation at Christ Commission Fellowship in the city of Alabang, followed by the one day End Times seminar, and then spent three days with us to help teach the module in Boracay. This was pastor Felix's third time teaching for The Expositor's Academy and he is fast becoming a favorite guest professor.

Pastor Mike Berry (Left) from Cornerstone Fellowship Bible Church in Riverside, CA, also

joined us as he taught the books of Exodus and Deuteronomy. My wife Jessica (Right) taught the pastor's wives on the marks of a godly wife and mother. She was blessed to be able to encourage these godly ladies (below), some of whom enjoyed her teaching at our Purpose and Passion Conference at Greenhills Christian Fellowship in Manila last year.

Jessica taught the ladies the first half of the week, and Pam Ellis and Ruth Ortiz arrived on Wednesday to teach the second half of the week. Ruth taught the women on biblical counseling while Pami, a nurse, taught about family health issues. (By the way, both ladies spent some of their childhood growing up as missionary kids in The Philippines. It's great to see them back here again serving as adults).

The Boracay module was followed by the Davao module on biblical interpretation at Heritage Baptist Church. Pastors Felix, Mike and Chad

returned to the States, but Allan Luciano (Left)

and a team from the Church at South Mountain in Phoenix, Arizona, (Brent Milner, Linda Strickland, Andy Lack, Jameika Manradge, and Abram Davis- Below) joined Vincent and I to teach, serve and observe some of what God is doing in the Philippines.

Allan, his wife Sandi and their two children are also raising support to join us as part of the TEA staff in Philippines. During our Davao module he helped teach several sessions on interpreting the bible.

Myriads of the Surprised

I was shocked when I received the text. It read, "He was accused, and he admitted raping [her] with the excuse that she wanted it. She was drunk and he was high on drugs." I knew the man lived in extremely difficult circumstances and that he was struggling to live the Christian life as he fought old vices developed over decades, like smoking and gambling, but rape? Drugs?...I would never have guessed. My heart not only breaks for him and his victim, both of whom I have been sharing Christ with and helping with physical needs, but the Lord used me to bring the gospel into his life and I have been hoping that His accepting it was real. At times, he would seem to show evidence of being a follower of Jesus; and at other times, he would seem to act just like a person who does not believe or follow Him. Ultimately, only God knows, but I always hoped the best for him . . . and I still do. I must admit that things sure look bleak at the moment. I met him many years ago and he took to the Bible pretty quickly. He read more in the first several months that I knew him, than some other Christians read in years. I shared the gospel with him during that time and it wasn't long before he professed to believe it. He became a regular attender of our bible study and sunday worship services, even went on to take a several month long class on how to share his faith. In spite of flashes of being a young and immature believer, he seemed to be a believer none the less. Like with my friend above, I have shared the gospel with many people, and I have had the privilege of seeing some of them acknowledge faith in Christ. However, I am usually skeptical when someone claims to believe in Jesus and that they want to become a Christian. I'm not saying that they aren't, but I only feel confident that the confession of their lips is the reality of their hearts after I see a consistent pattern of following Jesus and obeying His commands over time. You see, it is through the trials and choices in our lives that the genuineness of our faith is demonstrated. Perseverance through trials and right choices gives confidence of a genuine faith to those who claims faith in Christ and to those who witness that confession.

Instead of praying for my friend's growth as a believer, I am once again praying for the salvation of his soul. I fear that he may be among the myriads of the surprised who hear Jesus say, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? (Luke 9:46) or even worse, Many will say to [Jesus] on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then [Jesus] will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ (John 7:22-23). The truth about my friend will be made evident in time. Some may read this and believe that the truth is already clear. Perhaps, but my question to you is, "What about you?" Is your faith real? Does your life demonstrate it? Which way are you headed? Will Jesus say, "I never knew you" or "Well done good and faithful servant."?

A First for the Expositor’s Academy

This May 16th -20th The Expositor’s Academy (TEA) will begin teaching it’s third module to pastors in Boracay. We have already completed Hermeneutics (how to interpret the Bible) and Homiletics (an introduction to preaching). Our next module will be an intensive one week module that will survey the first half of the Old Testament. We have taught seven modules to date, but this time we not only invited the pastors, but we also invited their wives and children as well. As the men attend the OT Survey in the mornings, their wives and children will have their own classes. During the middle part of the day everyone will have the opportunity to enjoy the beach and in the evening their will be a few more OT sessions and a special message for all the couples geared toward building godly marriages.

Five graduates from The Master’s Seminary in California and a team from are planning on making the sixteen hours of flights to partner with us to do the teaching for this module and then on May 23-27 The Church at South Mountain in Arizona will join us to help teach a Hermeneutics module and do some local ministry in Davao City.

Join us in praying for God’s favor on the students, teachers and for the resources necessary for these modules. If you would like to sponsor a pastor(s) to be trained please email me at sean@ransomreport.com